Carlos Cruz opens at 515 Gallery

The start of the 2014 season at the 515 Gallery will be an exciting one. Our first exhibit of the year will showcase new works from Carlos Cruz of Midland, Michigan. His use of vibrant colors and city landscapes are a fresh new look of art, different from what we have exhibited before. This one-man show will be on display February 15th through April 5th, 20 14, at the 515 Gallery in downtown Clare. The public is invited to join us for the opening reception of “City Lights” on February 15th from 6-8 pm featuring this local artist.

Carlos Cruz began drawing before he could write his name. At the age of ten, his aunt bought him his first oil painting kit. Soon after, Carlos studied art at many universities, several of which are:

Michigan State University, SUNY Purchase of New York, Otis College of Art and Design, and NY

Parsons School of Design. After graduating with a MFA, Carlos Cruz became a Professor of Computer Information Systems/Art/Design at Mid Michigan Community College. He has also been inspired by several trips overseas. These worldly experiences have created an impressive portfolio including several series of oil paintings.

From blurred images to stunning city-scapes, Carlos Cruz focuses on having each painting speak to the viewer differently. His unique use of color and movement in his brush strokes help to accomplish the setting of this mood. He describes his work as striving to diminish the banality in everyday life and take common, overlooked places and people, capturing a snapshot, made into a form of high art. He does this by addressing the subject matter and disregarding the details. He wishes to portray the mysterious, perplexing, and real.

In honor of Carlos’s exhibit, featuring one of his pieces titled “Date Night”, the 515 Gallery is offering a “Date Night Giveaway”! This free evening in downtown Clare includes flowers from

Maxwell’s Flowers and Gifts, two movie passes to the Ideal Theater, and dinner for two at the Doherty Hotel. Be sure to pick up a giveaway slip at the 515 Gallery! You must be present at the opening reception on February 15th, starting at 6 pm to win.

So mark your calendars for February 15th and view the incredible work of Carlos Cruz at the 515 Gallery from 6-8 pm for the opening reception of “City Lights”!